Messi Calls Yamal Photo ‘Incredible’

Lionel Messi has described his famous childhood photo with Spain star Lamine Yamal as “incredible” ahead of their meeting in the World Cup final.

The image, taken in 2007 for a Barcelona charity calendar, shows a young Messi bathing an infant Yamal. Nearly two decades later, the pair are set to face each other on football’s biggest stage.

Speaking to the media earlier this week, Yamal said the photo had become even more special with time.

“I’ve grown a lot, and so has Leo,” he said. “I hope we can meet in the World Cup final because we didn’t get the chance to play in the Finalissima.”

Messi was asked about the picture during a FIFA event on Friday. Through an interpreter, he said, “It’s a strange photo because that’s life. I took that picture when he was a baby, and now we’re facing each other in the World Cup final. It’s incredible.”

The Argentina captain praised the 19-year-old, calling him one of the world’s best players.

“He has already won the European Championship with Spain and has a great future ahead of him. But in this match, we’ll try to stop him from playing his best football,” Messi said with a smile.

Recalling his years at Barcelona, Messi said he has a special connection with the club where both players began their journeys.

“I spent many years in Barcelona. That’s where I first met him,” he said.

Asked how he handles the pressure before a major final, Messi said he approaches it like any other match.

“We try to play naturally. In football, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose,” he said.